Robert Redford is one of Hollywood's most enduring figures, known for both his acting legacy and his choices away from the spotlight. When people ask how many wives did Robert Redford have, they are usually curious about the contrast between his public persona and his private life.
Unlike many celebrities, Redford has kept his romantic history relatively out of headlines, which makes straightforward facts harder to find. The following details clarify his relationship timeline and provide a structured overview of his marital history.
| Name | Years Together | Marriage Status | Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lola Van Wagenen | 1958–1985 | Divorced | 4 |
| Sibylle Szaggars | 2006–present | Married | 0 |
Early Career and the Pressure to Marry Young
During the height of his fame in the 1960s and 1970s, studios and magazines speculated about Robert Redford's love life constantly. Yet he married for the first time in 1958, shortly after his career began to accelerate.
He chose to marry Lola Van Wagenen, a woman he met while studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Their wedding marked the start of a long partnership that would shape his public image for decades.
Marriage to Lola Van Wagenen
The Longest Relationship
Robert Redford was married to Lola Van Wagenen for 27 years, from 1958 to 1985. They built a family together, raising four children while balancing his rising career and her interest in social activism.
Although they divorced amicably, they remained committed to co-parenting, which reinforced a reputation for stability and discretion uncommon in Hollywood at the time.
Life Between Marriages
Keeping a Low Profile
After his divorce from Van Wagenen, Redford entered a new era of personal freedom, yet he avoided the tabloid culture that often surrounded younger actors. He focused on filmmaking, conservation, and business projects, including the founding of Sundance.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he maintained long-term relationships without marrying, leading to intense public speculation about whether he would remarry.
Later Commitment with Sibylle Szaggars
A Quiet Modern Partnership
In the mid-2000s, Redford began a relationship with German-born artist Sibylle Szaggars. Their connection grew steadily, and they married in a small ceremony in 2009, surprising many who assumed he would remain single.
This second marriage demonstrated a different side of his romantic life, one defined by mutual respect, shared artistic interests, and a preference for privacy over publicity.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Redford has been married twice: first to Lola Van Wagenen, then to Sibylle Szaggars.
- His first marriage produced four children and lasted 27 years.
- He maintained a private personal life despite decades of public attention.
- His later marriage in 2009 reflected a quieter, more artistic partnership.
- Public curiosity about his relationships stems from his reserved nature.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many wives did Robert Redford have in total?
Robert Redford has had two wives: Lola Van Wagenen and Sibylle Szaggars.
Did he have children with both wives? He has children only with his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he has four children. How long was he married to his first wife?
His marriage to Lola Van Wagenen lasted 27 years, from 1958 until their divorce in 1985.
When did he marry his second wife?
He married Sibylle Szaggars in 2009, more than two decades after his first divorce.